The Egyptian General Book Organization, headed by Ahmed Mujahid, has just released a special issue of the Journal of Folklore. The special issue discusses industries and traditional crafts, including tailoring, sewing, carpentry, blacksmithing, wool spinning and rug production, in addition to the most significant obstacles facing the sustainability of handicraft industries in Egypt and the means to overcome them. An article by Izz al-Din Naguib discussed the crises that face traditional crafts and features of the current scene and ways of revival of those industries in the coming period through the establishment of a national project integrated to promote traditional crafts based on the creation of a national institution under the Council of Ministers. Among the topics covered in this issue are the glass industry, Ramadan lanterns, candy making and metal works and most areas known to their manufacture. As well as the art of making tent fabric or "Kheyameya" and the weaving for which the town of Akhmim in Sohag is famous for.
